Following last night’s fantastic victory versus Ipswich Town, we caught up with Will Nightingale and Jack Rudoni for a chat about their first-half goals and more.
Of course, both Will and Jack came through our youth system and five Dons academy products contributed to the win versus the Tractor Boys with Paul Kalambayi, Ayoub Assal, and Paul Osew also playing a part.
“I’ve known Robbo for a long time throughout the academy years,” said Jack. “Getting two wins on the bounce is something that we haven’t had for a long time, so everyone is buzzing. We just need to push on a bit more now and get some more wins before the end of the season. We’re all in it together, we are staying strong together, and pushing to stay up, and hopefully we can progress next season. We know that every game is massive, so we will be aiming to get another win against Swindon.”
On his first-half header and the extra attacking options that have boosted our League One survival push recently, Jack said: “I seen Lukey pick it up and you know that Lukey’s deliveries are on the money a lot of the time. I just remember taking a centre-back near post and then I peeled off him and it landed on my head. The easy part for me was heading it down, and it went in, so I’m buzzing.
“Ayoub has come in and he’s young and ready. He has got goals and assists in him. Ollie is experienced and strong, he links up well, so it just helps having players around me that can get the ball to my feet, and I can combine with them. We got five at Accrington and three against Ipswich, so we are looking good attacking wise. We just need to keep working on the training ground. We can play a bit quicker with a faster tempo at times. As a team, we’ve also been very solid.”
Will’s first league goal in three years was certainly worth waiting for – a bullet header after he rose highest in the box to meet the ball.
“I want to be adding to my goal tally,” said Will. “It’s been a long time coming, I’ve said to the boys and to the set piece coach that I could feel a goal coming. I fancy myself from set pieces, so I have got to start adding that to my game really.”
Will was quick to acknowledge the contribution of his defensive partner Kalambayi, who showed no signs of rustiness after missing over two months of first-team fixtures.
“I thought Paul was unbelievable. I have no worries about Paul at all. I’ve played with him many times and I know what he’s about. He can play this level comfortably and he showed that. I thought he was brilliant. Everyone has to play to the best of their ability and we just have to go again in the next game.
“Robbo is a likeable guy and he’s the sort of guy you want to run through brick walls for. He has been brilliant since he came in, but we have to go game by game. We know there’s still a job to do and we’ve got so much potential. We’ve got to start living up to that and start improving game by game. We know how important it is to stay in this league, and we are more than good enough. We have a great opportunity to do that, so everyone has to raise their game.”
Click on the link below to watch Rob Cornell’s full interview with Will and Jack.